Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena Tuesday inaugurated the 11th Ladakh Zanskar Festival 2026, a vibrant celebration of the rich culture, distinct identity and immense tourism potential of the breathtaking Zanskar region.
The two-day Zanskar Festival, held amid vibrant cultural celebrations and enthusiastic participation from local communities, is the first edition of the festival since Zanskar attained district status in April this year.
The Lieutenant Governor inspected stalls and Doksa exhibitions showcasing local culture, crafts and products, and virtually inaugurated various infrastructure assets completed in Zanskar district. He also released ‘Shesrab’ – the annual magazine of Government Degree College Zanskar and a special postal cover on “Gonbo Rangjon” in collaboration with India Post.
Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor said district status was not merely an administrative change but a recognition of the long-standing aspirations and distinct identity of the people of Zanskar.
“Today, as we celebrate the first major cultural festival of Zanskar as a new district, it is a moment of pride for all of us,” he said, congratulating the people of Zanskar on the occasion.
Highlighting Zanskar’s tourism potential, the Lieutenant Governor said its monasteries, mountains, rivers, trekking routes, adventure activities, traditions and warm-hearted people make it a destination with tremendous potential. He noted that the Ladakh Zanskar Festival was included in the UT Administration’s official tourism calendar, helping bring Zanskar’s culture and tourism onto the wider tourism map.
He said more than 4.05 lakh tourists had visited Ladakh up to August 31, including over 3.71 lakh domestic and more than 33,000 foreign tourists. The growing tourist footfall, he said, translated into more business for hotels, homestays, taxis, restaurants, local shops and artisans, while also creating employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for youth. The Lieutenant Governor emphasised that tourism must grow in a sustainable, responsible and people-centric manner, with due respect for Zanskar’s environment, culture and traditions.
Chairman and CEC, LAHDC Kargil, Dr Mohd Jaffer Akhoon; Member of Parliament from Ladakh, Mohd Haneefa Jan; and several other public representatives and officials from the district administration were present on the occasion.
